Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s Amendments and Arguments filed 08/25/2025 have been considered for examination. Claims 1-10 and 12-15 are pending.
With regard to the 103 rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 08/25/2025 (see pages 6-8 of Remarks) in view of the amendments have been fully considered but not persuasive. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in the below.
Regarding claims 1, Applicant argued:
Regarding the amended claim 1, recited as “…in a first physical area and in a second physical area … in the first physical area … from the first physical area to the second physical area … from the first physical area to the second physical area … the device emulates the short range radio signal … during at least one idle period of the wireless communication,” Applicant argue that the amended claim 1 is not disclosed by Manolakos in the previous office action.
None of the cited art discloses or renders obvious the subject matter of the claims, as amended. For instance, in rejecting claim 1, the Office looks to Manolakos for allegedly disclosing the claimed first area and second area, and switching between the areas based on detecting that the device transitions from the first area to the second area. See Office action at pp. 5-6. In particular, the Office points to Manolakos's disclosure of different frequency ranges and alleges that the different frequency ranges "can be considered as different areas." Id. Without conceding that the Office's construction is proper, Applicant notes that the claims currently recite "first physical area" and "second physical area," which are different from frequency ranges. Moreover, Applicant could find no disclosure or suggestion in Manolakos of "detecting that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area in which a short range radio signal transmission is available," much less switching to a second mode of operation upon such detection. Nor has the Office shown that any of the other cited references disclose or suggest "detecting that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area in which a short range radio signal transmission is available" or "switching the device to a second mode of operation upon detection that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area."
Manolakos also fails to disclose or render obvious that, in a second mode of operation, a "device emulates the short range radio signal transmission." For this claimed feature, the Office points to paragraphs 8, 46, and 47 of Manolakos. See Office Action at p. 7. However, none of the cited portions of Manolakos teach or suggest any "emulation" of a short range radio signal transmission. At most, the cited portions of Manolakos teach that an access point, which may include a "short-range base station," may be configured to "communicate with short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth®-low energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc." See, Paragraph [0047]. The cited portions of Manolakos make no mention or suggestion of "emulating" any transmissions, much less short-range radio signal transmissions. Moreover, the Office has not shown that any of the other cited references disclose or render obvious this feature.
Independent claim 12 recites subject matter similar to claim 1 and should be allowed for
at least the same reasons as claim 1.
In response to Applicant’s argument, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Applicant argued, regarding the amended claims 1 and 12, that in the previous rejection, Manolakos does not disclose these amended parts of claims 1 and 12. However, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Regarding the argument, “None of the cited art discloses or renders obvious the subject matter of the claims, as amended. For instance, in rejecting claim 1, … "first physical area" and "second physical area," which are different from frequency ranges,” in the previous action, first, Manolakos, in in Paragraph [0012], teaches that the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal are from different transmission/reception points. The first positioning signal configuration and the second positioning signal configuration correspond to different frequency ranges, respectively. Here, “different transmission/reception points” indicates the first position signal and the second positioning signal is coming from two different physical area, since two transmission/reception point is different. Further, two position signals are configured by each different frequency range, respectively. Due to this reason, in the office action, “different frequency range (it can be considered as different areas)” means two different physical area and each area configured by different frequency range, respectively. Namely, “different frequency range” means “two different frequency rage areas” and it might be misleading in the rejection. Therefore, Manolakos clearly discloses by teaching two different modes or systems are located on two different physical areas, respectively, and those modes or systems are operates on two different frequency range, regarding “a first physical area” and “a second physical area.” The second arguing point, regarding the part of the amended claim 1, “detecting that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area … and switching … device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area,” in the previous action, Manolakos, in Paragraphs [0038], the second mode operation (second system) can be configured by various conditions including positioning signal configuration information, an aperiodic (unscheduled) positioning signal, and/or an aperiodic positioning information report request. Further, Manolakos teaches, according to a first operating mode, the UE may measure positioning signals only during the active times of the respective DRX groups. Also, according to a second operating mode, the UE may measure positioning signals of the second DRX group outside of the typical active time (e.g., with a variable active time that may add to the typical active time, e.g., by extending the typical active time and/or initiating a further active time portion) of the second DRX group. Based on this observation, Manolakos teaches two operation modes are switching with each other, according to the active time scheduling information. Further, two different modes can be one of various systems high-power cellular, low-power cellular, short-range communication such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct, Bluetooth, Bluetooth-low energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc. and the second operation mode can be short-range communication. Based on this observation, Manolakos clearly discloses the part of the amended claim 1, “operating a device in a first mode … from the first physical area to the second physical area.”
Regarding the third argument point, “However, none of the cited portions of … much less short-range signal transmission,” based on the part of the claim 1, “wherein in the second mode of operation … emulates the short range radio signal transmission … wireless communication,” Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that UE receives a first positioning signal configuration for a first positioning signal associated with the first discontinuous reception group and a second positioning signal configuration for a second positioning signal associated with the second discontinuous reception group; UE measures the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group; and measures the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Further, in Paragraph [0046], Manolakos shows the candidate of the first positioning technologies such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) like GPS (Global Positioning System) and in Paragraph [0047], shows the candidate of the second technologies for short-range communication such as WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning. Based on this observation, the first technology and the second technology for localization or positioning is measured during each active time, respectively, where the first positioning technologies can be used such GNSS like GPS and the second positioning technologies for short-range communication can be such WiFi positioning or BLE positioning. Since the measuring the position signals in various active time (including an idle period) can already include the case of emulating the short range radio signal transmission during one idle period, the previous office action does not include the paragraphs [0053] and [0054]. The paragraph [0053] explains the procedure of the estimation of a location (localization) when UE configured various technologies including LTE-D, WiFi-D, BLE and so on, as describe in Paragraph [0054]. Therefore, Manolakos clearly teaches the part of the claim 1, “wherein in the first mode of operation … emulates the short range radio signal transmission during at least one idle period of the wireless communication.”
According to this reasoning, Manolakos clearly discloses the amended claim 1 and in similar reasoning, the amended claim 12 is clearly disclosed Manolakos. Further, for the amended part or world, the similar rejection is made in this instant office action in the below.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “processing unit” in claim 12.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
A review of the specification shows that the following appears to be the corresponding structure described in the specification for the 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph limitation: " The processing unit 30 may be implemented as a software module or component. " (see Page 15, lines 12 to 13 of the specification as filed).
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-2, 4-5, 7, and 10 are rejected under U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Alexandros Manolakos and et. al. (USPub. No.: US 20230067569 A1, hereinafter “Manolakos”).
Regarding to claim 1, Manolakos teaches a method for hybrid localization in a first physical area and in a second physical area, the method comprising: (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0012], teaches that the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal are from different transmission/reception points. The first positioning signal configuration and the second positioning signal configuration correspond to different frequency ranges, respectively. Therefore, for the positioning, two different positioning method can be applied based on the different frequency range (Two different transmission/reception points (locationS) can be considered as different areas) and different wireless systems.) operating a device in a first mode of operation, while the device is in the first physical area in which a wireless communication is available, (Manolakos, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0047], teaches that the first positioning or mode can be operated with gNBs (general NodeBs) and ng-eNB (next generation evolved-NodeB) that can be called as Base Stations (BSs). The gNBs 110a, 110b and the ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, are each configured to bi-directionally wirelessly communicate with the UE 105, and are each communicatively coupled to, and configured to bi-directionally communicate with the AMF (Access Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), LMF (Location Management Function), and GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center).) detecting that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area in which a short range radio signal transmission is available, and switching the device to a second mode of operation upon detection that the device transitions from the first physical area to the second physical area, (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0038], teaches that the UE may implement the second operating mode under various conditions, such as being configured to do so as a default, by receiving information causing the UE to change the operating mode, such information possibly including positioning signal configuration information ( e.g., indicating aperiodic positioning signal reception is possible), an aperiodic (unscheduled) positioning signal, and/or an aperiodic positioning information report request. Based on this observation, Manolakos teaches two operation modes are switching with each other, according to the active time scheduling information. Further, in Paragraph [0047], Manolakos teaches that the second mode can be operated by the short-range base station configured to communicate with the short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth®-low energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc. Therefore, it is clear that two operation modes are switching with each other from the first area to the second area, according to the active time scheduling information where the second mode includes a short range communication opeartion.) wherein in the first mode of operation the device uses a first technology for localization, and wherein in the second mode of operation the device uses at least a second technology for localization in which the device emulates the short range radio signal transmission during at least one idle period of the wireless communication (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that UE receives a first positioning signal configuration for a first positioning signal associated with the first discontinuous reception group and a second positioning signal configuration for a second positioning signal associated with the second discontinuous reception group; UE measures the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group and measures the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Further, in Paragraph [0046], Manolakos shows the candidate of the first positioning technologies such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) like GPS (Global Positioning System) and in Paragraph [0047], shows the candidate of the second technologies for short-range communication such as WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning. Based on this observation, the first technology and the second technology for localization or positioning is measured during each active time, respectively, where the first positioning technologies can be used such GNSS like GPS and the second positioning technologies for short-range communication can be such WiFi positioning or BLE positioning. Here, measuring the positioning signals in various active time (including an idle period) can already include the case of emulating the short range radio signal transmission during one idle period. Further the paragraph [0053] explains the procedure of the estimation of a location (localization) when UE configured various technologies including LTE-D, WiFi-D, BLE and so on, as describe in Paragraph [0054]. Based on this observation, it is clear that two different modes are used two different technologies for localization, respectively, that includes that the device emulates the short range radio signal transmission during one idle period of the wireless communication.).
Regarding claim 2, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches that wherein in the second mode of operation the device emulates a Bluetooth Low Energy positioning or an ultra-wide band positioning or a Wireless Local Area Network according to IEEE 802.11x, positioning during the at least one idle period of the wireless communication (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that at the UE, the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group; and measuring the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Further, in Paragraph [0047], Manolakos shows the candidate of the second technologies (namely, the second mode) for short-range communication such as WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy positioning. In this observation, it is clear that for the second mode, WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy positioning can be applied during the discontinuous reception period of the wireless communication.).
Regarding claim 4, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches wherein the at least one idle period of the wireless communication is a timespan during which no transmission on the wireless communication occurs (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that at the UE, the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group; and measuring the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Therefore, it is clear that in the idle period, namely in the non-activation time of the discontinuous reception duration, no transmission can be occurred on the wireless communication.).
Regarding claim 5, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 4, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches wherein the at least one idle period of the wireless communication conforms to a discontinuous reception (DRX) or an enhanced/extended DRX, connected mode DRX, or a power save mode, or a wake-up signal period, or a wake-up signal duration (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that at the UE, the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception (DRX) group; and measuring the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Therefore, it is clear that at least one idle period of the wireless communication can be the discontinuous reception duration (DRX).).
Regarding claim 7, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches wherein a duration of the at least one idle period is adjusted by way of negotiation (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0038], teaches that the UE may implement the second operating mode under various conditions, such as being configured to do so as a default, by receiving information causing the UE to change the operating mode, such information possibly including positioning signal configuration information ( e.g., indicating aperiodic positioning signal reception is possible), an aperiodic (unscheduled) positioning signal, and/or an aperiodic positioning information report request. Other configurations, however, may be used. In this observation, it is clear that a duration of the at least one idle period, namely, DRX (Discontinuous Reception Period) can be adjusted by various conditions).
Regarding claim 10, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches a method according to claim 1, wherein the first technology for localization comprises at least one of the following: a Global Navigation Satellite Service, a cellular telecommunication technology, a wireless communication technology (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0046], shows the candidate of the first positioning technologies such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) like GPS (Global Positioning System).).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 3, 6, and 12 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Alexandros Manolakos and et. al. (USPub. No.: US 20230067569 A1, hereinafter “Manolakos”) in a view of Khaled Ismail (USPat. No.: US 12143195 Bl, hereinafter “Ismail”).
Regarding claim 3, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 2, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches that wherein in the second mode of operation the device emulates the Bluetooth Low Energy positioning during the at least one idle period of the wireless communication (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that at the UE, the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group; and measuring the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Further, in Paragraph [0047], Manolakos shows the candidate of the second technologies for short-range communication such as WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy positioning. Therefore, it is clear that for the second mode, the device can operate the Bluetooth Low Energy positioning during the second discontinuous reception period of the wireless communication.
However, Manolakos does not explicitly teach by sending at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet during the at least one idle period of the wireless communication.
Ismail teaches by sending at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet during the at least one idle period of the wireless communication (Ismail, in Fig. 1 to 4 and in Col. 2, lines 22 to 32 and Col. 10, lines 17 to 49, teaches that for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning method, the BLE communication standard outlines specialized direction-finding enabled data packets having known direction-finding signals such as Constant Tone Extension (CTE) which can be utilized to determine direction from a destination electronic device observing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic devices 104.1 through 104.k as described above in FIG. 1 and/or the communication receiver 202 as described above in FIG. 2, to a source electronic device providing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic beacons 102.1 through 102.k as described above in FIG. 1. The exemplary BLE direction finding packet structure is illustrated in Fig. 4. In the packet, the constant tone extension (CTE) field can be used as the known reference signal to determine the direction from the source. Therefore, it is clear that the BLE positioning method can be operated by sending the direction-finding enabled data packets including a CTE field.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos and Ismail to include the technique of by sending at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet during the at least one idle period of the wireless communication of Ismail in the system of Manolakos to provide the accurate angle of arrivals (AoA) between a destination electronic device and a source electronic device and to compensate for erroneous phase shifts in samples of the communication signal resulting from timing differences between receiving antennas of the destination electronic devices for the accurate short-range positioning. (Ismail, see Col. 1, lines 14-22)).
Regarding claim 6, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Manolakos further teaches that wherein the device employs a wireless modem implementing bidirectional wireless communication according to a standard for the wireless communication, (Manolakos, in Fig. 1 and 2 and in Paragraphs [0046] and [0047], teaches that the first positioning or mode can be operated with gNBs (general NodeBs) and ng-eNB (next generation evolved-NodeB) that can be called as Base Stations (BSs). The gNBs 110a, 110b and the ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, are each configured to bi-directionally wirelessly communicate with the UE 105, and are each communicatively coupled to, and configured to bi-directionally communicate with the AMF (Access Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), LMF (Location Management Function), and GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center). Therefore, the wireless modem based on 3GPP can be equipped in the base station and UE) and wherein in the second mode of operation the device employs said wireless modem for sending at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet during the at least one idle period, (Manolakos, in Fig. 1 and in paragraphs [0008], [0051] and [0047], teaches that according to wireless communication standard, an access point or a short-range base station can be configured to communicate with short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct, Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). For this communication the wireless modem can be equipped in an access point, a short-range base station or the device. Based on this, for the second mode, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning method can be operated on the activation time of the second DRX, using the wireless modem equipped in the device. As mentioned above, the BLE positioning can be operated by sending the specialized direction-finding enabled data packets having known direction-finding signals such as Constant Tone Extension (CTE). Therefore, it is clear that using wireless modem, for the second mode, the BLE positioning can be configured during the second DRX and it can be operated by sending the direction-finding enabled data packet to a base station.)
However, Manolakos does not explicitly teach that the at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet comprising a constant tone extension and a packet data unit.
Ismail teaches the at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet comprising a constant tone extension and a packet data unit (Ismail, in Fig. 1 to 4 and in Col. 2, lines 22 to 32 and Col. 10, lines 17 to 49, teaches that for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning method, the BLE communication standard outlines specialized direction-finding enabled data packets having known direction-finding signals such as Constant Tone Extension (CTE) which can be utilized to determine direction from a destination electronic device observing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic devices 104.1 through 104.k as described above in FIG. 1 and/or the communication receiver 202 as described above in FIG. 2, to a source electronic device providing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic beacons 102.1 through 102.k as described above in FIG. 1. The exemplary BLE direction finding packet structure is illustrated in Fig. 4. In the packet, the constant tone extension (CTE) field can be used as the known reference signal to determine the direction from the source. Therefore, it is clear that the BLE positioning method can be operated by sending the direction-finding enabled data packets including a CTE field.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos and Ismail to include the technique of the at least one Bluetooth direction finding packet comprising a constant tone extension and a packet data unit of Ismail in the system of Manolakos to provide the accurate angle of arrivals (AoA) between a destination electronic device and a source electronic device and to compensate for erroneous phase shifts in samples of the communication signal resulting from timing differences between receiving antennas of the destination electronic devices for the accurate short-range positioning. (Ismail, see Col. 1, lines 14-22)).
Regarding claim 12, Manolakos teaches that a device for hybrid localization, the device comprising a wireless modem configured to provide a bidirectional wireless communication capability according to a wireless communication standard, in a first mode of operation, and (Manolakos, in Fig. 1 and 2 and in Paragraphs [0046] and [0047], teaches that based on wireless standards such as 3GPP, gNBs (general NodeBs) 110a, 110b and the ng-eNB (next generation-evolved NodeB) 114, namely base stations, are communicatively coupled to each other, are each configured to bi-directionally wirelessly communicate with the UE 105, and are each communicatively coupled to, and configured to bi-directionally communicate with, the AMF (Application Management Function) 115. Here, the wireless modem can be equipped in the base station and the UE. It can be used in macro cells or small cells for cellular communications. Therefore, it is clear that for the first mode, the base station and the UE can be configured for cellular communication with wireless modem.) wherein the device is configured to be operated in the first mode of operation while the device is in a first physical area in which a wireless communication is available, the device further configured to be operated in the second mode of operation while the device is in a second physical area in which a short range radio signal transmission is available, (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0038], teaches that the UE may implement the second operating mode under various conditions, such as being configured to do so as a default, by receiving information causing the UE to change the operating mode, such information possibly including positioning signal configuration information ( e.g., indicating aperiodic positioning signal reception is possible), an aperiodic (unscheduled) positioning signal, and/or an aperiodic positioning information report request. Further, in Paragraph [0047], Manolakos teaches that the second mode can be operated by the short-range base station configured to communicate with the short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth®-low energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc. Therefore, it is clear that the activation time for the second mode can be configured based on the detection of the transition from the first area to the second area.) wherein in the first mode of operation the device is configured to use a first technology for localization, and wherein in the second mode of operation the device is configured to use at least a second technology for localization, wherein the second technology comprises emulating the short range radio signal transmission during at least one idle period of the wireless communication (Manolakos, in Paragraph [0008], teaches that UE receives a first positioning signal configuration for a first positioning signal associated with the first discontinuous reception group and a second positioning signal configuration for a second positioning signal associated with the second discontinuous reception group; UE measures the first positioning signal during a first active time of the first discontinuous reception group and measures the second positioning signal during a fixed second active time or a variable third active time, the fixed second active time having a fixed duration of the second discontinuous reception group and the variable third active time having a variable duration of the second discontinuous reception group. Further, in Paragraph [0046], Manolakos shows the candidate of the first positioning technologies such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) like GPS (Global Positioning System) and in Paragraph [0047], shows the candidate of the second technologies for short-range communication such as WiFi positioning or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning. Based on this observation, the first technology and the second technology for localization or positioning is measured during each active time, respectively, where the first positioning technologies can be used such GNSS like GPS and the second positioning technologies for short-range communication can be such WiFi positioning or BLE positioning. Here, measuring the positioning signals in various active time (including an idle period) can already include the case of emulating the short range radio signal transmission during one idle period. Further the paragraph [0053] explains the procedure of the estimation of a location (localization) when UE configured various technologies including LTE-D, WiFi-D, BLE and so on, as describe in Paragraph [0054]. Based on this observation, it is clear that two different modes are used two different technologies for localization, respectively, that includes that the device emulates the short range radio signal transmission during one idle period of the wireless communication.).
However, Manolakos does not explicitly teach that a processing unit configured to provide at least one packet having localization enabling information to the wireless modem in a second mode of operation, the packet conforming to a short range radio signal transmission.
Ismail teaches a processing unit configured to provide at least one packet having localization enabling information to the wireless modem in a second mode of operation, the packet conforming to a short range radio signal transmission (As mentioned above, for the second mode, the short-range base station can be configured with the short-range technology such as the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with the wireless mode and the BLE positioning method can be operated during the second DRX. Further, Ismail, in Fig. 1 to 4 and in Col. 2, lines 22 to 32 and Col. 10, lines 17 to 49, teaches for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioning method, the BLE communication standard outlines specialized direction-finding enabled data packets having known direction-finding signals such as Constant Tone Extension (CTE) which can be utilized to determine direction from a destination electronic device observing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic devices 104.1 through 104.k as described above in FIG. 1 and/or the communication receiver 202 as described above in FIG. 2, to a source electronic device providing these data packets, such as the one or more electronic beacons 102.1 through 102.k as described above in FIG. 1. The exemplary BLE direction finding packet structure is illustrated in Fig. 4. In the packet, the constant tone extension (CTE) field can be used as the known reference signal to determine the direction from the source. Therefore, it is clear that the BLE positioning method can be operated by sending the direction-finding enabled data packets including a CTE field.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos and Ismail to include the technique of a processing unit configured to provide at least one packet having localization enabling information to the wireless modem in a second mode of operation, the packet conforming to a short range radio signal transmission of Ismail in the system of Manolakos to provide the accurate angle of arrivals (AoA) between a destination electronic device and a source electronic device and to compensate for erroneous phase shifts in samples of the communication signal resulting from timing differences between receiving antennas of the destination electronic devices for the accurate short-range positioning. (Ismail, see Col. 1, lines 14-22)).
Claims 8, 9, and 14 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Alexandros Manolakos and et. al. (USPub. No.: US 20230067569 A1, hereinafter “Manolakos”) in a view of Jonathan Kay and et. al. (USPat. No.: US 009706364 B2, hereinafter “Kay”).
Regarding claim 8, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
However, Manolakos does not explicitly teach that comprising- detecting that the device transitions from the second area to the first area, and subsequently switching from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation.
Kay teaches that comprising- detecting that the device transitions from the second physical area to the first physical area, and subsequently switching from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation (Kay, in Col. 7, lines 33 to 67, teaches that some factors can be useful in determining whether to give preference to indoor or outdoor positioning systems (can be considered as the first mode positioning system and the second mode positioning system, respectively), which themselves may conflict when indicating an approaching transition or an actual indoor-outdoor status. The example of this determination is shown by using the geo-fence method in lines 46-67. Therefore, it is clear that the detection of the transition between the first mode and the second mode can be made by some factors and based on the detection, the switching between modes can be done smoothly without conflicting.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos and Kay to include the technique comprising- detecting that the device transitions from the second area to the first area, and subsequently switching from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation of Kay in the system of Manolakos to provide improved techniques for determining whether a mobile computing device is indoors or outdoors for managing positioning technologies or services provided by the mobile computing device. (Kay, see Col. 2, lines 64-67 and Col. 3, lines 1-7).).
Regarding claim 9, Manolakos teaches the features defined in the claim 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
However, Manolakos does not explicitly teach that wherein detecting the device transitions between the first area and the second area comprises an evaluation of a Cell Identification, or using a geo-fence service, or using a radio frequency fingerprinting or using a Global Navigation Satellite System service.
Kay teaches that wherein detecting the device transitions between the first area and the second area comprises an evaluation of a Cell Identification, or using a geo-fence service, or using a radio frequency fingerprinting or using a Global Navigation Satellite System service (Kay,in Col. 7, lines 33 to 67, teaches that some factors can be useful in determining whether to give preference to indoor or outdoor positioning systems (can be considered as the first mode positioning system and the second mode positioning system, respectively), which themselves may conflict when indicating an approaching transition or an actual indoor-outdoor status. The example of this determination is shown by using the geo-fence method in lines 46-67. Therefore, it is clear that the detection of the transition between the first mode and the second mode can be made by some factors and based on the detection, the switching between modes can be done smoothly without conflicting.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos and Kay to include the technique wherein detecting the device transitions between the first area and the second area comprises an evaluation of a Cell Identification, or using a geo-fence service, or using a radio frequency fingerprinting or using a Global Navigation Satellite System service of Kay in the system of Manolakos to provide improved techniques for determining whether a mobile computing device is indoors or outdoors for managing positioning technologies or services provided by the mobile computing device. (Kay, see Col. 2, lines 64-67 and Col. 3, lines 1-7).).
Regarding claim 14, combination of Manolakos and Ismail teaches the features defined in the claim 12, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
However, combination of Manolakos and Ismail does not explicitly teach that wherein the device is implemented in a single chip.
Kay teaches that wherein the device is implemented in a single chip (Kay, in Fig. 11 and in Col. 21, lines 42 to 47 teaches that the device can be implemented in a single chip based on ASIC.)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Manolakos, Ismail, and Kay to include the technique wherein the device is implemented in a single chip of Kay in the system of combination of Manolakos and Ismail to provide improved techniques for determining whether a mobile computing device is indoors or outdoors for managing positioning technologies or services provided by the mobile computing device. (Kay, see Col. 2, lines 64-67 and Col. 3, lines 1-7).).
Claims 13 and 15 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Manolakos Manolakos and et. al. (USPub. No.: US 20230067569 A1, hereinafter “Manolakos”) in a view of Khaled Ismail (USPat. No.: US 012143195 B1, hereinafter “Ismail”) and further in a view of Koichi Abe (USPub. No.: US 20200383036 A1, hereinafter “Abe”).
Regarding claim 13, combination of Manolakos and Ismail teaches the features defined in the claim 12, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
However, combination of Manolakos and Ismail does not explicitly teach that wherein the packet comprises a Bluetooth direction finding packet according to a Bluetooth Low Energy standard, and wherein the wireless modem is configured to provide a baseband transmission capability for the Bluetooth direction finding packet, to provide an up conversion for the direction finding packet to at least one Bluetooth advertising frequency channel, and to provide an output power to the up converted Bluetooth direction finding packet according to the Bluetooth Low Energy standard.
Abe teaches that wherein the packet comprises a Bluetooth direction finding packet according to a Bluetooth Low Energy standard, (Abe, in Paragraph [0056], teaches that in the present exemplary embodiment, the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard of Bluetooth® 5.1 is used as the communication method of short-range wireless communication unit 157. Standards having a position detection function equivalent to or more sophisticated than that of Bluetooth® 5.1, like Bluetooth® 5.1 and later Bluetooth® standards, can be applied. Further, in Fig. 7 and in Paragraph [0077], Kochi teaches that FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a structure of advertising information that the short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication apparatus 151 transmits to cause the information processing apparatus 101 to detect the distance from the communication apparatus 151 and the direction where the communication apparatus 151 is. A Constant Tone Extension (CTE) 505 is data that is used to detect the direction of the communication apparatus 151 with respect to the information processing apparatus 101. A Preamble 501 is data intended for clock synchronization when the information processing apparatus 101 receives the advertising information from the communication apparatus 151. An Access-Address 502 is data intended for frame synchronization when the information processing apparatus